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Disappointment on the podium: silver medalists

You'd think an Olympian would be happy to approach the podium and
receive a medal, but while gold medal winners are understandably
ecstatic and bronze medalists look giddy just to be onstage, silver medal winners are often described as the "first loser." Many Olympians are proud of their silver while some can't help but express the disappointment of being so close -- and yet so far -- from Olympic gold. -- By Paul Rosales, Yahoo! Sports

McKayla Maroney showed true grit after her fall and relegation to silver status in the vault final. But here her disappointment is unmistakable as she stands on the podium during the medal ceremony on Day 9 of the London Games. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

McKayla Maroney showed true grit after her fall and relegation to silver status in the vault final. But here her disappointment is unmistakable as she stands on the podium during the medal ceremony on Day 9 of the London Games. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)